Nikolaus Harnoncourt’s Retirement from the Stage

Today (December 5, 2015), one day before his 86th birthday, the audience of the Concentus Musicus cycle at Vienna Musikverein found a personal farewell letter of Nikolaus Harnoncourt in its evening programme. With this letter Nikolaus Harnoncourt announced his retirement from the stage. Here is the original letter:

Dear audience,

my physical strength requires me to cancel my future plans. Great ideas have arisen: An unbelievably deep relationship has developed between us on the stage and you in the hall — we have become a happy community of pioneers! – Much will remain. This year’s cycle will be carried on in my spirit. Remain faithful to it!

Yours Nikolaus Harnoncourt

The consequences of Harnoncourt’s retirement for all projects planned for the months to come cannot yet be foreseen and will be announced over the coming days and weeks by the affected organisers. The concerts at Vienna Musikverein will take place as announced in the letter. The Beethoven cycle at the styriarte festival 2016 with the Concentus Musicus will also take place, possibly in a modified manner. The styriarte audience will be informed about changes in the programme in the upcoming days.